The Law of Inertia, or how productivity begets productiveness

[CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 | Flickr user askal.bosch]

Back in my freelancing days, productivity was like a good hair day: sometimes it just came naturally, while other days it seemed like nothing I could do would move a task toward completion. An odd phenomenon did arise, though. On days I was productive, I was really productive. On days I wasn't, I really really wasn't.

According to Dictionary.com, inertia is defined as the following:

The property of matter by which it retains its state of rest or its velocity along a straight line so long as it is not acted upon by an external force.

In this case, "matter" = me and "straight line" = productivity.

Why is it so easy to keep moving once you're already grinding away?

Your mind is already moving
Whether it's coffee, exercise or some other type of morning routine, it usually takes a person a little time to get their brain moving in the morning or after lunch. This makes processing information and making good decisions a little slower. But when you're already warmed up, you carry the good mojo on to the next task, making

You get productivity high
How good does it feel to cross items off your list? How about the very last item, the one you've been putting off for so long? So. freakin. good. We crave that good feeling, and it keeps us moving. If you're being physically active while completing your list or laughing it up, it could even be a chemically induced feeling (endorphins...natural chemical, of course).

The operative state, then, would be how you begin your work day (or working session). I find that jumping right in to work, rather than lingering over reading informative (not action-oriented) emails, sets me up for a more productive day. As a freelancer, even taking the time to get dressed in the morning could throw off my rhythm (the best routine I found: jump out of bed, pop in the contacts, brush my teeth, make my coffee and get straight to the computer).

Do you find that the laws of inertia apply to your work habits? What do you do to get off to a good start?

Not your run-of-the-mill office supplies

A few weeks ago, I shared some fun business card cases, many from etsy.com. By far, I find etsy to be the best resource for non-traditional finds. Whether it's handmade or vintage, it will most likely be one of a kind (or at least very few of the same kind).

Here are some of my office supply picks from etsy.com


Some other great resources for office supplies that aren't run-of-the-mill:

• See Jane Work
• The Office Stylist's Sorting With Style
• Paper Source
• Kate's Paperie
• Muji
• Iomoi
• ProfessionGal's new shop, when it opens (I'm sure it will be on this list!)

Where do you go for office supplies?

New job checklist: part II (or part I)

Now that you know what to update and what to do once you're in the job, let's backtrack a bit. Technically this part precedes that part (and technically this post preceded that post, it just got lost in my drafts), so I'm not sure whether this is Part II or Part I.

So here is the rest of the checklist (the beginning of the checklist?) for your shiny new job.

What to know

• Daily schedule and hours of business, including lunch hours
• Dress code
• Vacation/sick day procedures
• Holiday schedule
• Pay schedule and how to report time
• Performance review schedule and procedures
• Parking arrangements and permits needed (if any)
• Best rush hour route (and how long it takes)
• Available amenities (kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, water cooler, etc.)

Who to know, aside from your superviser and coworkers

• HR representative
• IT person
• Payroll 
• Administrative staff in your department

Did I miss anything?

How to talk about dieting in the office

The cubicle life is sedentary, and it can be unhealthy. I know this all too well – since finishing grad school and entering the work force six years ago, and with irregular and unsustained bursts of activity, I've gained a good 25 pounds.

As I struggle to get back in shape, I've talked about my efforts with my coworkers. We spend 40 hours a week together and yes, we talk about things other than work. Sometimes (much of the time?) it falls into a common trap – bashing our own bodies. This is generally a social activity, but can seep into the workplace easily. Haven't seen it? You've probably missed it.

"You look great, but I'd never be able to wear that."

"I remember when I was young and my metabolism was quick."

"I need to go work out."

I'm sure you've heard similar things in your workplaces, and And it goes on and on. From normal, healthy, beautiful women.

Don't get me wrong - sometimes the comments above are actually true. Not every style works for every shape, metabolism does slow down, and working out is a good thing. But saying, and hearing, those types of comments can be hurtful, to both ourselves and others. At the very least, they can be annoying.

It's a hard habit to break, but there are two things we can do.

Stop tearing ourselves down. 
If you're giving a compliment, let it stand on its own merit; don't feel like you need to bring yourself down in the process.

Work together.
Offer a solution, like walking together during lunch or splitting meals when eating out. Or start an informal office challenge among coworkers with similar goals – see who can stick to their plan the best and celebrate milestones together.

So what do you say...who's with me in trying to change the dialogue on diets?

New job checklist

You've got the job.  You've transitioned smoothly out of your old position. Now what?

The whirlwind of starting a new job can be overwhelming. Time is a-ticking, though, so make sure you do a few things before the new job becomes old hat.

To help you out, here is a new job checklist (also a downloadable PDF). Some of these should be done immediately (like benefits enrollment) while others are just nice to do eventually (like updating your Facebook).


Update these

• Resume. The best time to add in a new job to your resume is right at the beginning, when the job   description is handy. Though your initial entry may be a near cut-and-paste, it will be much easier to change it as your job evolves than trying to hunt it down later. 

• Emergency contacts. If you have listed a daytime contact number anywhere (for example, kids' schools or childcare, condo associations, etc.), you'll have to swap out your old job's phone number. I usually put in my cell number for personal reasons, but if you're comfortable with it, you can put your new job number, too.

• LinkedIn and other professional and/or social media sites. If you have any personal memberships to professional organizations, or just Facebook, don't forget to update those, too. LinkedIn is especially important to keep up to date – it lets your professional network know where you've moved on to.

Do these

• Reevaluate your retirement plan. Whether you have a plan through your previous employer or a personal account you contribute to (or both!), now is the time to assess your retirement planning and saving. Take into account the benefits, if any, offered at your new job. Things you may consider - rolling over your 401k, increasing or decreasing your annual contributions, or the balance of investments in your portfolio.

• Revisit your budget. Your new job probably comes with a new salary, so make sure you can meet your budget. Or just look at how much more savings you'll be able to squirrel away – that's always good, too.

• Update your references. You've probably already thanked your references and let them know the outcome of the search, but it's always good to keep the lines of communication open. Now is also a great time to reach back out to any new references you approached at your most recent position (if they weren't references already).

• Benefits enrollment. Most employers give about 30 days for initial enrollment in benefits programs, and many will give you a packet of information before you start to begin musing over. Take inventory of what's being offered and find the plans that work best for you.

Once you're in the office

• Get set up. Make sure you have (or will be getting) all the things you need for your new job, such as a computer, keyboard, phone, etc. 

• Meet and greet. Who will you be working with and what will your priorities be? Sometimes your boss will have it all ready for you, but if not, it's a good idea to identify those you'll be working with closely and get to know them and what expectations they may have. 

• Set a regular schedule. Your new job may have different hours than your old one, and though the difference may be small, it could throw a hitch into your regular routine. Try a few things during your first few weeks on the job and find your rhythm again. If your employer is flexible, it may mean customizing your work schedule to your other obligations.

• Set goals. You probably know what you'll be doing, but now that you're there it's time to set some tangible goals. This is how you'll be evaluated at your first review. Be realistic but don't be afraid to aim high.

• Jump on in! The best way to get acclimated to something new is to just jump on in. Your employer has already shown they're confident in your abilities, now shine!

Download the PDF checklist here.

What do you think are must-dos when you get to your new job?

BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch)

Last fall, I took on a challenge, tracked on The Daily Muse. I brought my lunch for the entire month of October. Along the way, I learned a few things.

1. My brought-from-home lunches averaged approximately $4.00 per meal. This gives me a good baseline when I go out to dinner, too: if I stick to an $8-10 dinner and save half for lunch, it's almost the same price as a homemade lunch.
2. Large dinners (more than 4 servings) had the lowest per-serving cost. Making a box of pasta with meat and veggies was still around $4 a serving, but a large home-made lasagna (some passed out to friends and eaten over a few days) was closer to $2.50.
3. Having the right equipment made planning – and packing – lunch a breeze.

The equipment in this case falls into three categories:

Storage: Glass containers are great for food that needs to be reheated in the microwave – it doesn't stain or warp as easily as plastic. If you don't need to heat things up, any ol' container will do.

Transport: Depending on the length of your commute, an insulated lunchbag can make sure your food doesn't get into the "danger zone." If your work doesn't have a communal refrigerator, this is even more imperative. Since my work fridge fills up fast, I usually transport my lunch in a small cooler with one ice pack, and then take the container out and put just that in the fridge.

Liquids: Make sure you don't confuse thirst for hunger by staying hydrated during the day. I like a screw-top water bottle for water, but if you prefer ice tea or sugary drinks, try a double-walled travel cup with straw (much easier to clean).

Clockwise from top left: Pyrex 18-piece storage set, snack sacks, Klip-it sandwich box, Built NY BYO Rambler lunch bag, Nalgene Tritan wide-mouth water bottle, double-wall water bottle, Packit personal cooler lunch bag


Are you a lunch toter or do you prefer to eat out? What do you use to bring your lunch?

The busy excuse

If you're like me, you have a running list of want-to-dos. My list runs the gamut from "make a dress" to "finish a 5,000 piece jigsaw puzzle." Often, these lists sit untouched for months and years. Why? Because we're busy. Haven't talked to your old friend in months? We're busy.

The truth is, for most, busy is a glorified excuse, one that has been pervasive in American workplaces for decades. It makes one feel important, as if they're just in too much demand.

The harder truth is...we're not that important. And acting busy, and saying we're busy, doesn't mean we're getting more work done. In fact, putting up a wall and pushing people away can actually stymie productivity.

Yes, we can be genuinely, truly, too busy for some things. Things we should be saying no to. But overusing the busyness excuse, like overuse of most other things, dilutes its meaning, so here are a few things to think about before you pull out the busy excuse next time.

Relationships matter.
Sometimes an ask is small. And sometimes taking 2 minutes out of your day to help someone can strengthen a business relationship.

Goal or goof?
We all have a role to play in our workplaces and goals to meet for each review period. You should make time for those things that help you meet your goals, and perhaps edit out some of the things that don't.

Be honest, but helpful.
There will be times where you really can't help with what is being asked, whether by necessity (there really just isn't time) or by preference (it's not a priority). If you're truly busy, be sincere...no one likes to be brushed off. But if you can point someone in the right direction to find the help they need, do so.

It's not about you.
Like I said before, we're not all that important. Before you go all "how dare she ask me to help!" take a step off your high horse and think about whether you're helping or hindering the bigger cause.


Being busy has been the de rigueur humble-brag in offices for far too long. Let's be honest with ourselves—and others—and we can get rid of it once and for all.

What do you think about busy for busyness sake? Do you see this in your office, too?

Project: Discipline

I've never been a fan of the word "discipline."

It evokes the feeling of doing what I should be doing for my own good, but with a lot of reluctance. See: practicing piano, stopping myself before helping three of french fries and putting that buttery leather bag back on the rack.

The key phrase: for my own good.

Discipline – when self-inflicted with a goal in mind – can be good.


So this year's project is discipline. I'm doing what's good for me, whether I like it or not.

Good for my body.
I want to put more good stuff in and be more active this year to get my energy up. Sure, it's always a goal, but now there's a plan and a partner in action. I'm going to drink more water, snack healthier (my weakness) and get reacquainted with the gym.

Good for my mind.
This blog is something I really enjoy, yet it's often the first thing that gets pushed off the post-work to-do list. Same with writing for pleasure. I'm going to write something every day, whether anyone sees it or not.

Good for my heart.
For some reason I have yet to pinpoint, our trip home this Christmas left me more homesick than ever. Spending time with those I care about is important, and I need more of it. I'm going to get over my phone-phobias and make an intentional effort to stay connected with friends and family near and far.


What does that mean here? More posts. More professional and style advice. More presence. (Not necessarily more of these touchy feely personal posts.)


What are you working on in your life right now?

On job longevity, job hopping and being the change

Back in July, when we were in California, we had a brief family reunion with cousins from all over the U.S. We've always been very spread out so reunions are few and far between.

A conversation with my younger cousin really got into my head. She just started a new job in a new field, and I asked her what her career plans were. She said she wanted to stick it out "for a while" and see, but she was enjoying it so far. I asked her what "for a while" meant—three years? Five? The answer: a year, maybe two.

Millennials are known for job hopping, expecting to stay in each job for less than three years. It's a generalization I cringe at and that should be taken with a grain of salt. As a Millennial, I know many others in my generation that have succeeded in and greatly enjoyed being part of a company for much longer than that. I was at my last job for nearly four years and contracted with them for a year after; I could easily have imagined myself staying for much longer if we hadn't moved. Yes, the days of staying with one company your whole career are gone, but must we jump to the other extreme?

Why do people move from job to job so much? Usually it's one of three reasons: the workplace is toxic/stagnant/unfulfilling, a better opportunity arises elsewhere or life takes them to a different place (philosophically or geographically).  The second and third are fine reasons to leave a job, but the first is the one I'm curious about.

In a bad job situation or workplace, you're probably not the only employee tempted to leave. But you have a choice: do you jump ship or do you lead toward change? Sure, it seems intimidating as young professionals to try and turn a moving ship, but it can also be an opportunity to make an impact and learn valuable professional skills.

When is it worth it to stick it out?

• When you have influence. You may not be in a managerial or executive position, but is your opinion sought after and heard? This is an opportunity to make your mark.

• When executives are headed in the right direction. Sometimes, what goes wrong is somewhere in the middle. Is there someone trying to lead that you could team up with? If you can stick out the transition with professionalism, there may be a better spot for you when things are on the up and up.

• When you're actively searching for your next job. Having no income sucks, and in these economic times, it's hard to anticipate how long you may have to go without one if you quit your job without another one lined up. If you're applying and interviewing, a new job could be on the horizon. A little patience can stave off a lot of financial insecurity.

• When you have a good mentor at work. If you're getting good guidance, you're in a better position than many. While I don't think this is the best reason to stay on its own, it could be a factor in your decision. Mentors can extend beyond job relationships, however, so a new job doesn't mean a severed mentorship.

How long do you stick it out? That's up to you. And there are definitely instances where running for the hills is the best option. (In fact, job hopping is supposedly seen as a plus in start-up culture.) A workplace full of folks trying to bring you down or management mired in legal troubles are big red flags that sticking around is a bad idea.

Have you ever stuck around in a job you weren't sure about? What factors did you consider when quitting a previous job?

Navigating a new dress code

I touched on some new job jitters, but I'm starting to get settled a few weeks into the gig. Though I'm in roughly the same industry as I was back in California, I have noticed some notable changes in the dress. The differences are due in part to company culture/environment and in part due to the different sartorial sensibilities of Miamians (vs. Sacramentans).

My observations so far:

In
Dresses – A popular choice around the office and a good go-to option. Hemlines are also a little more relaxed here.

Walking-friendly shoes – It's a big campus, and I learned quickly to wear comfortable shoes. Those blisters from week one are still fading.

Color – A Miami thing, perhaps? There was a lot more black and gray in Sacramento.


Out
Suits – A rarity in our office, even for VPs. I wore one for the interview and again last week (for a photoshoot), and totally looked out of place.

Jeans – We have casual Fridays, but folks rarely wear jeans. I need to get some non-jean casual pants (do these black skinnies work?).

I've spent most of this first month erring on the conservative side, and it still remains to be seen if and how my old work style will change. Some of it is just personal preference. My wont for a crisp button-up isn't echoed much in my office, but reflects my personal style, so that's something I'll likely keep. 

How much do you change your work style from one office environment to another? What regional/industry differences have you noticed?

Denim, art and other questions about starting a new job

A new job is a welcome escape from the uncertainties of the job market, but securing a job opens up another realm of uncertainties, big and small. A sampling from my mind this past week:

• Which piece of art do you bring to decorate your space? 

• Are jeans allowed on Casual Friday? Is there Casual Friday?

• How long do you wait to update your LinkedIn and Facebook profiles?

• Bring lunch or buy lunch? What's the overarching office culture?

• Where is the closest Starbucks?

• Will folks enjoy or bemoan my sense of humor?  

• Headphones or ambient music? Earbuds or over-ear?

And most importantly...

• When is it safe to bring out the brass knuckle mug?

[photo credit: former coworker B]

What questions burn when you start a new job? And really...what about the mug?

On writing better

Whether you're writing executive briefs or emails, you probably write more in a day than you realize. Even if you're comfortable writing the daily stuff, most people can get overwhelmed and intimidated by larger writing assignments or the thought of writing something for fun.

Learning to write well doesn't happen overnight, but the steps to get there aren't that difficult. Here are a few easy ways to get on the path to better writing.


Read good writing
The thing I enjoy most about reading is immersing myself in good writing, whether in books, magazines or online publications. When you're familiar with what good writing sounds and looks like, you'll be able to recognize it and practice it yourself. In the same vein, reading crap all day long can neutralize your ability to recognize bad writing and fix it. Junk in, junk out.

Write often
Practice makes perfect. The more you write, though, the more comfortable you will be with writing. Plus, getting words down on paper (or on the screen) gives you a great starting point for editing. It sounds so easy, but can be difficult to practice. Play around with different formats. I'm usually busy with technical proposals, marketing copy, reported stories or blog posts, but I've also dabbled in essays and fiction (very light dabbling) and want to try other types of writing as well.

Share it with others
Get a second or third opinion to see how effective your writing is. Do you have a weird habit or resort to a single type of sentence structure? Getting some outside feedback can be great for developing your voice. Even a simple business email can benefit from a quick review—how is your tone coming across? Find a friend or two you trust, and give them some context for why you're writing to help them get into the right frame of mind.

Play editor
Here's a fun experiment: take a piece from a magazine or website and look at it through an editor's lens. How would you restructure or reword the piece? Is there a better way to get the point across? Think about the things you like and things you don't like about the piece, and then experiment with applying that to your own writing. By editing other people's work for a living, I pick up on common pitfalls and personal preferences, which often come to mind when I'm writing my own stuff.

Stay humble
Writing is not one of those skills you "master" and then leave alone like building the perfect ship-in-a-bottle. That mindset will ruin your writing—in my experience those who are cocky about their writing ability are also in dire need of a good editor (not to be confused with a confident or self-assured writer). Every new piece is a blank slate, and it doesn't care how many awards or A+s your last piece accumulated, if you don't work at the one, it will still be crap.

What do you write? How do you stay sharp?

Do what you love or love what you do?

As I've been mulling over direction in my career and my random list of life goals, one question that pops into my mind is whether it's better to do what you love or love what you do.

Do what you love advocates following your passion to finding a career.

Love what you do is finding peace and enjoyment in whatever your career may be.

They are not mutually exclusive, but for many people they are different.

Do what you love
Pros: Following your passion to a career obviously has it's benefits—you're doing something you love everyday! It's also motivating to see something close to you come together and succeed, and it's much easier to do that if you're dedicated to it as a career instead of as a side hobby.

Cons: Depending on what it is you like about your love-based career, passion can run out. Committing to something full time can take the mystery and appeal out of a career choice, and it's easy to get overwhelmed by the actual daily tasks involved.


Love what you do
Pros: You get enjoyment out of your career—maybe not every second of every day, but overall, you love what you get to do. You're making a living to support the hobbies you love, whether it be travel, sports or shopping. If your work is a separate entity from your hobbies or loves, there is often a clearer delineation between work life and time and personal life and time.

Cons: This kind of career choice can sometimes lead to feeling like you're working toward someone else's goals instead of your own. You also won't get as much time to devote to your passion if you're working 40 hours a week (plus lunch breaks and commute time).


Can you have both?
Sure. For some careers and passions it will be easier to find the intersection (for example, writing can be a viable career and hobby) and for others it will be difficult (if you're an accountant by day and a musician by night). Also, if you love what you do, it can often begin feeling like you're doing what you love—love can be fostered (in work and in relationships, but that's a different topic).


Personally, I've always thought "love what you do" was more reasonable, but in hindsight, I've actually done quite a bit of doing what I love. Love of magazines—from planning to proofing and everything in between—is what spurred me on to apply to journalism school in the first place (after getting my BA in an unrelated field), and though I veered from the conventional publishing rat race, all of my jobs have had a writing, editing and publishing bent. I guess I'm lucky that what I love is also a conventional career option, and it's been interesting this year to see it from a different angle as a freelancer.

If you're dead-set on doing what you love and haven't taken that step yet, I really like Leo Babauta's Do-What-You-Love-Guide (and his entire Zen Habits blog).

What do you think—would you rather do what you love or love what you do? Or have you found the happy intersection?

Choosing your communication method

Call, email, text, Skype? Far too often I look down at my phone to contact someone, only to get stuck with the question, "Should I call? Text? Email?" With so many options right at our fingertips, what format of communication is best used when? Your distinctions may differ slightly with industry norms, but here is a general overview of when to use which communication method and what kind of urgency is most appropriate.

Phone
When to use it: When you need something immediately (a task or an answer) or need to schedule something for the future. Also good for meetings or discussions when getting together in person is not feasible. I've noticed the phone has fallen by the wayside for many people who don't have assistants, but if the person you're trying to reach has an assistant you can call, that's often the most direct route to reaching a real person.

Urgency: Medium to high.

Email
When to use it: When sending attachments, longer explanations, requests for information or to follow-up on a previous conversation or phone call. Email is also a nice format for long form personal communication, like keeping in touch with old friends. Check out additional email tips in this post (one of my first on the blog).

Urgency: Any, but make it clear in the message if you have a deadline or timeline to meet. If you need it within the hour, a phone call would be better—there are no guarantees that emails will be read right away.

Instant Message
When to use it: Some good uses for IMs include asking a clarifying question, prepping for a meeting or making plans (for a meeting, lunch, etc.). If you're asking a question that requires a lot of explanation, just walk over—IMs are best for one or two sentence answers.

Urgency: Low to medium. Since people may not be at their desk or available to chat at all times, you should expect that they'll answer on their own timetable.

Text Message
When to use it: To find someone in a crowd or at an event, or when meeting up outside of the office. Best used sparingly and when you only have mobile access.

Urgency: Medium (though it varies). In my head, I often think of text as the most immediate, second only to phone. Because of this, I have my phone set to vibrate on text, but never for email.

Social Media (Facebook or Twitter)
When to use it: Facebook and Twitter are most useful in a business setting to build personal rapport or to make new connections. When making new connections, use social media to bring the conversation off-line or to more traditional business communication by getting email or phone info.

Urgency: Low.

What is the communications urgency hierarchy in your industry? How do you decide what format to use?

Four questions to ask when you're lacking direction

 [flickr: pursuethepassion]

Like I mentioned last month in my freelance update, I've been thinking a lot about direction. Specifically, I've been focusing on a few questions (and some list-making) to help me along, and boy, has it helped! Here's what I've been mulling over.

What are you passionate about?
What gets your goat? This isn't quite the same as "what do you love?" (for example, one can be passionate about addressing poverty, but it'd be weird to call it "love"), but also any issues or industries that really get you fired up, angry or excited. It can be as exciting as rocket science or as seemingly mundane as accounting. I also wouldn't choose just one thing...write down a few.

What are you good at?
Let's be realistic: I'm not good at everything and neither are you. Heck, I'm not even good at the things I love sometimes (my dust-covered guitar can tell you that much). Write your strengths down. Now look at your passion list: how do your strengths fit into your passion industries? If you don't know enough about your passions, find out more. A lot of times it's just finding the right company or organization to rekindle your passion and set you in the right direction. Make a list of career options that combine your passion and skill.

Where do you want to be?
This could be a specific location, a specific job position, or a specific industry. It may help to break it down into bite-size time goals, for example, I want to be in x position within 5 years and at x point in my career 15 years from now. This could also include lifestyle choices, such as if you want the flexibility to stay at home part time with children or the freedom and budget to travel to your heart's desire. Compare this to your list of career options...which careers on this list will help you get there?

How do you get there?
Though you may realize where you currently are is not helping you get where you want to be, don't jump just yet. Where do you need to be to get there, and how do you get to that starting point? It could mean picking up a few new skills on your personal time, or just starting to look for that perfect job. Make a plan and a timeline for getting on track.

The issue I often deal with is narrowing down my passions. I'm easily excitable and enthusiastic. The question that helps me most is "Where do you want to be?" My list may be slightly long, but over the past few weeks I've prioritized it so that I can work toward the goal and still have some fallback options.

How did you find your career direction? Any other questions that should be considered?

A review of the performance review

[Flickr: jennifertomaloff]

It's probably one of my least favorite times of the year because of the stress, but the annual review process at work can be a great opportunity to reassess your job and your work goals. Everyone's process differs, but most include a self-evaluation and some sort of review meeting with your manager.

Preparation
Whether your reviews are done at the same time each year (all employees in July, for example) or on your particular start-date anniversary, it can be daunting to go through a whole year of work. Keep track of projects and results throughout the year to make it easier during this already-stressful time. Some folks like a notebook, but I keep running Word docs listing program (our nonprofit had many), project, specific tasks I performed, and results. I also list any trainings or conference I've been to, awards I've won, and trainings or other service type things I've done for the organization (that aren't in my job description). I print out a few copies of each year's list for my own records, my boss's records and HR's annual review files.

Self-Evaluation
If you're not already in the practice of honestly evaluating yourself, this can be hard. This is not the time to be humble, but it's also not the time to blow yourself up without supporting evidence. Most evaluations include some kind of sliding scale (usually ranging 1-5 or weak to strong) and space for comments. I recommend adding comments in every category to support your rating. If you run out of space, make notes on another sheet of paper. It helps to grab your job description and use that as a measuring tool. If you find that you're doing a lot outside of your description, write that down, too; you can address that at your meeting.

Face-to-Face
For your face-to-face meeting, prepare your list of accomplishments (from the Prep stage above) and any revisions or changes you've seen to your job description. I also make a list of project ideas for the coming year and any issues I want to discuss with my supervisor (suggestions for better communication, better work processes, and any areas I could use more support in from her or the team). If there's anything that's been weighing on your chest, this is the time to get it out, although I would refrain from straight out venting—I subscribe to the school of every-complaint-should-come-with-a-helpful-suggestion.

The meeting will often include you and your supervisor going over the evaluation together. Pay attention, and if you have any questions as to why you received a rating you did, ask then and there. Your supervisor should be able to list reasons, and you may have a chance to present information to support your self-evaluation, or you may gain understanding and self-awareness of your work that you weren't able to see before.

The Money Talk
Annual reviews are also common times to evaluate your position and salary. Some companies have salary talks every year (formal or informal); others are on a more sporadic or inconsistent schedule. If it is something you want or something that is an option, do some research on what changes you would like seen made to your job description and what type of compensation you would like to negotiate (websites like payscale.com are a good place to start for a target salary, but you can also consider asking for schedule flexibility, more vacation, etc.). Be clear and present tangible reasons from the employer's perspective for why you deserve the raise ("Because I've been here two years" and "Because I'd like to afford a nicer apartment" are not good reasons; "Because I've added value to this organization beyond my paygrade and would like to continue doing so" or "Because I'd like to take on more responsibility in an area that the organization needs help with" are good reasons). If your supervisor hints that the timing just isn't right or that you're just short of being ready, suggest a mid-term review in three or six months to reassess and reconsider.

Aftermath
You should come away from your review with goals for the next year (agreed on by you and your supervisor) and an understanding of where you can improve (yes, every one of us has something). If you go back to your set ways without adjusting, you'll just be back in the same place next year (slightly worse, since you should know better). Take any constructive criticism or suggestions and apply them; if there are areas of specific concern, don't be afraid to ask for extra training or referral to resources that might help.

Some additional resources in prepping for your review: Forbe's article "How to Ace Your Performance Review" and the Grindstone's From Review to Raise series.

How are performance reviews structured at your workplace? How do you prepare for them?

Book Review: All Work, No Pay

Last month (just after the internship series on this blog), I was sent a complimentary copy of All Work, No Pay by Lauren Berger (The Intern Queen) to review. If you're a student, chances are you've either secured your summer internship or are in a panic looking for one. Either way, I would pick up a copy of All Work, No Pay to get you geared up for your new adventure or the internship search.

Berger was an internship machine, completing 15 gigs before graduating from college, including several out-of-state internships. She is savvy and dynamic, and, frankly, it inspires me to be that way, too.

Internships were instrumental in laying down the foundation for my career. I had my first internship the summer after my sophomore year of college (I spent the first summer loading up on summer school...23 units!), and had six internships over the course of college and grad school, two of which led to job offers. My internship search spreadsheets were a color-coded thing of wonder, and all that interview experience continues to pay off. Even though I was already an over-preparer in my internship days, I wish there had been a book like this one—I knew nothing about out-of-state internships, but would have loved to pursue one had I known it was an option.

The book covers it all, from convincing you to find an internship (if you're not already convinced) to how to wrap up your internship. It progresses logically from the internship search to applying and interviewing for the job, appropriate dress and communication. There is also a great section dedicated to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor guidelines for unpaid internships, which is extremely useful if you're in that situation (know what you're getting yourself into).

This book is great for the college student without a clue. It offers tangible tips and steps to follow, including helpful charts to fill in during the search process. I would have loved to see some more industries discussed (the book drew heavily from Berger's experience in entertainment and public relations) and it was very wordy, but the book is an easy read with a big pay-off.

Disclosure: The Intern Queen and 10 Speed Press sent me this book free of charge for review, but the content of the review is all mine. No compensation was provided, and no agreement was made to guarantee a post or positive coverage.

Humble pie doesn't taste as good as it looks

 [flickr: enggul]

If you're doing your job well, chances are someone is seeing it. They may have even commended you on it, or called you out for recognition.

Think about the last time this happened: how did you react?

Did you look down bashfully and mutter a quick thanks? Or did you try to push the attention over to a coworker ("But did you see Sally's presentation? Now THAT is awesome")? I've done both.

A lot of people downplay their accomplishments at work because they are afraid of looking prideful or arrogant, but that humble bashfulness could come back to bite you later on. You've deflected the momentary attention, yes, along with the credit and recognition.

Consider this: You turn in an awesome project that showcases your creativity, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Folks rave because it's unlike anything they've seen before. You demur, downplaying your role and your work. If that's what you keep telling them, eventually they're going to believe you. And all of a sudden, your work isn't as impressive as it seemed a moment ago.

Next time a compliment is tossed your way and you're tempted to say "It's no biggie," try one of these non-braggy and not-too-humble responses:

• "Aw, shucks."
•  "It was my pleasure." (I like this one because it not only acknowledges your role but shows that you're up for more challenges)
• "[Coworker who did as much work as you did] and I are really happy about how this turned out, too."
• And my favorite: "Thank you."

Do you tend to downplay your own work or are you happy to take credit when it's due? What tips do you have for accepting a compliment graciously?

How to say no at happy hour

 [Flickr: The Vault DFW]

The office environment can be a lot like high school, except everyone's old enough to drink and vote. There are cliques, just like high school. There are popular people and the not so popular, like high school. There is gossip and drama and hurt and friendship.

And, just like high school, there is peer pressure. Sometimes it's good, like when you spur each other on to reach your highest potential. Sometimes it's bad, like when you're sexually harassed. Sometimes, it's just there, like at happy hour. It's those gray areas that aren't right or wrong that can often cause the most headache.

How can happy hour be at all stressful? It has been for me, since I don't drink alcohol. I have nothing against it, but alcohol and Angeline just don't mix. If I'm not breaking out in itchy red hives all over, I'm having hot flashes and chills, and that's only half a drink in. I've heard of some people conditioning themselves to handle it, but I've tried and it's just not worth it anymore. Plus, I've never been cool, so I have no real rep to keep up. Your reasons may be different from mine, but we don't have to let our teetotaling get in the way of networking.

Participate
Happy hour can be an extremely valuable part of the professional experience, whether you're at a networking event or celebrating Friday with your coworkers. You don't have to go to every one, but make sure to participate somewhat regularly to stay in the loop.

Don't make it a big deal 
Just don't order an alcoholic drink. If someone asks you why, you can tell them the reason or make an excuse. Say it once—you don't need a long explanation. (My go-to: "Oh, I don't drink." ::smile::)

Indulge a little
My happy hour drink of choice is Coke or Diet Coke, and because I don't drink soda often, I'm still sharing in the slightly indulgent feel. Or I'll dig into the cheap happy hour eats (truffle fries, anyone?).

Don't be empty handed
Whether it's a sparkling water, a soda, or a virgin cocktail, if you have something in your hand, people will soon forget it's not alcohol. Ask for a garnish on your drink if you want it to feel extra special.

Laugh it off
If your coworkers are the teasing type, this may just be the thing they need to poke fun at you every once in a while. Play along, in moderation. If they bring the teasing into the workplace, you can throw it right back with a positive spin. I may not participate in the Friday drinking games, but I can rock a last-minute deadline or all-nighter as good as (OK, better than) the rest of them, so if they call me a goody-two-shoes, I'll correct them: I'm a goody-two-shoes-who-is-awesome-at-my-job.

What kind of peer pressure do you get in your office or at work events? How do you address it?

How to talk about politics (or not) at the office

 [William & Mary Law Library]

Growing up, I had it drilled into my head that there are two things you don't talk about at work: religion and politics. Personally, I'd add sex as a third topic to avoid, but still agree on the first two.

Politics is a hugely sensitive topic for some, though not all. People tend to take their politics personally, and issues and candidates can create an almost religious fervor, with folks evangelizing for the left or the right. Especially during campaign years, it may not be possible to completely avoid the topic, so here are some tips on how to avoid a potential sticky situation.

Be neutral. This is as much about the unspoken as it is the verbal. It's tempting to nod along with a speaker when they're talking in a group, but try to keep your body language as neutral as possible. You could also take the opposite tact and play devil's advocate to everybody and regularly contradict yourself, leaving others guessing about where you actually stand (which I personally think is sort of fun if you keep it light and low key).

Be a social butterfly. Even when you don't say anything, associating too closely with a group that is vocal about their politics may lead others (like your superiors) to indirectly associate you with that group's views as well. That doesn't mean you have to jump ship from a group completely, but it might be time to expand your circle to include others with differing opinions.

Be direct. We all have that one coworker who will ask the awkward question and put you on the spot. If you don't want to talk about politics in the workplace, then just say so. By making it about your own personal policies, it is less likely that people will take your choice as a slight on them. Just make sure to be consistent...word gets around.

Be funny. This is harder said than done (humor, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder), but if you can pull it off, try a joke. Perhaps you could start a mock campaign for your boss as a write-in candidate to lighten the mood—just make sure they know it's a joke and that you're not just trying to get rid of them.

Take it off site. If you have friends at work that share your political interests, or if you're campaigning for office yourself, save it for your own time and another place. Work should be a neutral zone, politically, but it is a valuable network, so if you do find others who share your interests, don't be afraid to strike up a friendship outside of work, too. Do not—really, please don't— display campaign materials (for candidates or issues) in your workspace.

If you work in a political office or for a politician, this is pretty moot, but for the rest of us, these tips can help avoid landmines. While most people can separate a others' political leanings from their professional work, keeping your politics to yourself can still save you from unnecessary disagreements or tension (you never know who's keeping score against you). And who doesn't want their workday to go a little smoother?

Do you mix political opinions into your professional dealings? What tips do you have for addressing (or not addressing) sensitive political topics at work?